The King’s Forest, Wordwell and West Stow, Suffolk

In January 2020, archaeological monitoring and metal detecting were carried out by OA East in two areas identified with high potential for archaeological remains during forest clearance works by Forestry England at Kings Forest, West Stow, Suffolk. During monitoring the mulch was removed in all areas, and topsoil was also removed in Blocks 57/58 and 59. No archaeological remains were encountered at the stripped horizon.
A large number of .303 calibre bullets were recovered during the metal detecting survey in Blocks 57-59 suggesting the likely presence of a WWII practice target in the vicinity. A total of 24 prehistoric flints including a scraper and a core were also recorded from this area. Block 40 produced modern iron nails, two post-medieval buttons, a medieval trade token, a few clothing and horse accessories (such as buckles and strap fittings), and three Roman coins. All these finds are consistent with previous records of multi-period activity in the area but do not add any valuable contribution to the regional research objectives.